Saab Moves North American Headquarters to Royal Oak, Michigan

Although it started eying a move for its North American headquarters before its purchase by Spyker, Saab announced today it would officially move its staff into a new office in Royal Oak, Michigan.

The decision came following approval by the Michigan Economic Growth Authority to grant a $1.2-million tax break to the automaker, applicable over five years. In return, the automaker will create roughly 60 new jobs (with an average salary of $88,000), although that figure could double by 2014.

Saab initially started looking at locating its U.S. headquarters in Royal Oak when Swedish supercar manufacturer Koenigsegg was expected to purchase the brand. Following Spyker Car's purchase in February, the company closed on a deal to purchase an industrial building in the city.

The new headquarters will serve as home to advertising, sales and marketing, technical assistance, and customer support staff, although it may eventually serve as a base for engineering testing. Employees are expected to move into the facility by the end of the month.